Tutorial Tuesdays - Teabag Treasures

Teabag Treasures

On Saturday I showed you my teabag treasures HERE.  Today I will be showing you how to make one of these decorated teabags to make your own treasures.  They are pretty straight forward.

Select whatever type of teabags you may have.  There may be some that got forgotten in the back of your cupboards that you can use.

Here are some of the tools that I used for this project.

Take the teabags and make a slit on one side and then cut along the top of the bag. Pour out the contents of the teabag.

Select from a range of things that you might have already or that you want to make, and encouraging word, an image that can go inside the bag.

When you are satisfied with the contents that you have cover the bag in pva glue and coat the back as well.  Allow to dry.  The glue helps the teabag to stiffen and has a leathery type feel.

For the frame of the bag I used quinoa and put a beading of glue then sprinkled the quinoa on to cover all of the glue.

Allow to dry and then add any additional embellishments 

You can either leave the edges as they are or you could put a coat of paint of your choice, alternatively you can rub 'goldfinger metallic finish' to give it a vintage look.

Teabag Treasures

Once complete give it a final coat of pva glue on the front and the back which will act as a sealant.  You could go on to use these bags in your journals, on cards as a gift.

I am looking forward to sharing next weeks recycled project.

Material Mondays - Crochet Neck Warmers

Crochet Neck Warmers

With winter coming up I think about comfort and being warm.  I don't mind the cold weather but I dislike being cold, so you will always see me with hat, scarf, gloves and very thick socks!

I found with scarves lately that depending on what coat you were wearing they would inevitably fall or slide off and you would spend quite a bit of time flinging it over your shoulder........make way for the neck warmer:)

Selection of neck warmers

 These are made with quite thick wool and I have made a few in quite bright colours to pick up my mood on a wet and dreary day 

warming my neck in the studio! - you can forget you have it on!

This is the first one I made, with its winter colours.  Under your coat it definitely provides a seal of warmth that will not be penetrated by the harshest of cold winds.

Neck warmer with woolen button

Here you can see that the neck warmer can be worn in different ways

I made two of the neck warmers with buttons made from wool which meant that if you made them for young children there wouldn't be any problem with swallowing buttons

The wool is also quite soft and you almost can forget you have it on, and you can make different ones to coordinate with your outfits!

If you are considering learning how to crochet, or any other creative activity check out Craftsy online courses, at the moment they are doing a special offer on some of their classes, and they are offering some free mini courses. Click here.

Have a blessed day, see you tomorrow for Tutorial Tuesday.

Recycled Projects - Tea Bag Treasures

I am really excited about these as they came out better than expected.  I called them Teabag treasures.

Having a clear out of my cupboards I found box of teabags that were passed their prime.  I had thought of using the leaves for dying paper in my journal and as I emptied each bag I thought that they would make mini canvases that you could put special messages on.

 Hidden messages, or treasures that could be encouraging and uplifting.

 It reminded me of those people who would find hidden messages in the leaves of the loose tea at the bottom of the cup

 On each bag I placed an encouraging message, a reminder that there is more that the current life we live...

 We only have to be brave enough and get out of our comfort zone and see the special qualities that we possess!

Teabag treasures, what are you doing with the treasures that lay hidden inside of you?

I hope you have a blessed weekend, and allow your creativity to push back the boundaries in order to allow yourself to really soar!

Come back on Tuesday to see how I made the Teabag treasures in Tutorial Tuesday. Do share creative ways in which you have used recycled materials and leave a comment below.

Gratitude's and Celebration - You are Beautiful! - Week 18

Gratitude's and Celebration - Beautiful

You are Beautiful!

Today is a very special day for me.  

My son Sekani turns 18 years old!  

The time has indeed gone quickly and he has grown up so fast.  He has been a joy, obviously mixed with the ups and downs of teenage life!

 My wish has been that he is confident, uses his gifts and talents and steps out boldly into life with enthusiasm and excitement.

He is indeed a beautiful young man.

 Today I am grateful for his life and we celebrate all that he is and all that he is yet to become.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the beautiful things in your life. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)